Penang

Penang is the main setting of the novel. As a colonial outpost in British Malaya, Penang serves as a microcosm of the broader colonial context depicted in the novel. Penang's colonial history and multicultural society reflect the complexities of colonialism and imperialism, as well as the intersecting dynamics of race, class, and gender. Penang acts as a symbolic bridge between East and West, serving as a meeting point for characters from different backgrounds and cultures, such as Arthur and Lesley. This convergence of diverse perspectives and experiences enriches the narrative, offering insights into the complexities of identity and the fluidity of cultural boundaries.

South Africa

South Africa initially carries negative connotations as a place where Robert is forcing Lesley to move to, contrasting with Lesley’s beloved homeland of Penang. However, as depicted in the Prologue and Epilogue, South Africa is shown as a setting where Lesley builds...